EDINBURGH and Somerset have confirmed dates for the Premier League Grand Final - with the first leg to take place at Armadale next Friday October 25.
The Monarchs will be looking to build up a lead to take to the Oaktree Arena, with the league leaders then staging the deciding leg on Monday October 28.Edinburgh chairman Alex Harkess said: “It’s disappointing that, again, we will not have the chance of winning the Championship at home, although that was out of our hands this time, but I’ve always felt that it is easier to defend a lead rather than overcome one. “I feel that our boys have all come back to form after a little dip about a month ago and we’re all eager to repel the Rebel challenge. I can’t wait for next Friday.”
WORLD No.3 Niels-Kristian Iversen hit back from a crash in his first ride to win Coventry’s individual Brandonapolis event on Friday.
Iversen made it into the semi-final with nine points and took victory in that race and the Final, heading home Chris Harris and Bjarne Pedersen whilst former meeting winner Hans Andersen fell in the decisive race.Iversen said: “It was hard work, and I didn’t really ride so well in my first couple of races. I seemed to struggle a bit but it came good when it mattered in the semi and the Final, and I’m happy I won it.“I know they’ve had a lot of rain so it was a bit patchy, but everybody got on well with the track, there were no major accidents and I think we can be pleased we got the meeting on.”
MILDENHALL have called upon Buxton’s Liam Carr to guest for their injury-hit squad in Sunday’s National League semi final tie with the Isle of Wight at West Row.
The Fen Tigers are two points down from the first leg and skipper Danny Halsey will ride through the pain barrier despite a broken metacarpal in his hand – whilst the Islanders bring in Joe Jacobs and Lee Smart due to their own injury problems.Mildenhall chairman Kevin Jolly said: “We had a fantastic performance from the lads on Tuesday to hold the Isle of Wight to just two points at their track, but this tie is still very finely balanced. Joe Jacobs is a boost to their line-up as is the return of Ben Hopwood, both riders know our track well.“We are confident though that the lads can pull out another big performance and get us through to a third successive cup final, they have the bit between their teeth now and really want another crack at some silverware.”
LEICESTER will have several Elite League riders on show this Sunday when they take on Coventry in the re-arranged East Midlands Bowl first leg.
As they had planned for last weekend’s postponed ties, the Lions bring in Kenneth Bjerre, Krzysztof Kasprzak and Hans Andersen with Nick Morris now also added to their side, whilst Grand Prix star Niels-Kristian Iversen will make a guest appearance for the Bees.Leicester co-promoter Alan Jones said: “There are so many aspects to consider when a new date has to be found; not least of all whether the riders are available and added to this is staffing an event at such short notice. Thankfully it all fell into place and Coventry were as keen as us to stage the event, and we are pleased that they agreed to return on Sunday. “It is a rarity to see such an array of world-class talent on show at a Premier League track and the two teams assembled are brimming with exceptional ability, so this has all the prospects of a classic meeting and one not to be missed.”
FIXTURESSATURDAY OCTOBER 19:ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Swindon 6pmSUNDAY OCTOBER 20:NATIONAL LEAGUE: Stoke v Kent 3pmNATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP S/F REPLAY 2nd leg: Mildenhall v Isle of Wight 3.30EAST MIDLANDS BOWL 1st leg: Leicester Select v Coventry Select 6pmTUESDAY OCTOBER 22:BANKS’S OLYMPIQUE: Wolverhampton 7.30WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23:NATIONAL LEAGUE: King’s Lynn v Dudley 7.30FRIDAY OCTOBER 25:PREMIER LEAGUE GRAND FINAL 1st leg: Edinburgh v Somerset 7.30EAST MIDLANDS BOWL 2nd leg: Coventry Select v Leicester Select 7.30
